Invited by GDToday, four world-renowned photojournalists—Nick Ut, Ringo Chiu, Irfan Khan, and Michael Nelson—embarked on a captivating journey through Guangdong. Their exploration spanned six cities, covering the province's stunning landscapes, vibrant traditions, and historical landmarks. Here are some of the must-visit destinations they discovered—perfect for travelers and shutterbugs alike!

From left: Irfan Khan, Michael Nelson, Ringo Chiu, and Nick Ut (Photo: Nanfang Plus)

Guangzhou

Zhenhai Tower (镇海楼)

Zhenhai Tower is one of Guangzhou's most iconic landmarks. Built 644 years ago—40 years older than the Forbidden City—it has survived five reconstructions. Once Guangzhou's highest point, the tower now serves as the Guangzhou Museum, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline.

(Photo: Nanfang Daily)

Add.: Yuexiu Park, No.960 Jiefang North Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广州市越秀区解放北路960号越秀公园)

Shamian Island (沙面岛)

Dubbed a "Museum of International Architecture," Shamian Island features over 150 European-style buildings dating back to its colonial past as a British and French concession. Surrounded by ancient trees and serene streets, it's an ideal destination for architecture and history lovers.

(Photo: Nanfang Daily)

Add.: No. 53-54, Shamian North Street, Liwan District, Guangzhou (广州市荔湾区沙面北街53~54号)

Shantou

Small Park historical area (汕头市小公园开埠区)

Located at the heart of Shantou's old town, Small Park historical area boasts row upon row of exquisite qilou (arcade buildings). In the past, a great number of overseas Chinese returned to invest in business and real estate here, leaving many historical sites like the landmark Nansheng Department Store. These buildings blend Chinese and Western styles, interspersed with department stores, restaurants, traditional handicraft stores, and time-honored brands.

(Photo: Nanfang Daily)

Add.: Junction of Guoping Road, Shengping Road and Anping Road, Jinping District, Shantou (汕头市金平区国平路、升平路、安平路交汇处)

Laomagong Opera Stage, Shantou (汕头市老妈宫戏台)

Built during the Qing Dynasty, the opera stage of Laomagong (old Mazu Temple) is a vibrant cultural hub showcasing Chaozhou opera, puppetry, and traditional drumming. Visitors can relive the old town's artistic glory while enjoying a cup of local tea.

(Photo: Shantou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

Add.: No. 4, Shengping Road, Jinping District, Shantou (汕头市金平区升平路4号)

Foshan

Zumiao Museum (祖庙)

Built during the Northern Song Dynasty (1078-1085), the Zumiao (Ancestral Temple) is the epitome of Foshan's history and culture. It features ancient buildings with ceramic images on the eaves, regular Cantonese opera and lion dance performances, as well as the memorial halls of Kung Fu masters Ip Man and Wong Fei-hung.

(Photo: Nanfang Daily)

(Photo: Zumiao Museum)

Add.: No.21 Zumiao Road, Chancheng District, Foshan (佛山市禅城区祖庙路21号)

Liang's Garden (梁园)

Built in 1796, Liang's Garden used to be a traditional private garden that belonged to Liang's family. As one of Guangdong's four famous gardens, this ancient gem offers elegant pavilions, residencies, pagodas, sculptures, and lakes with tranquil landscapes.

(Photo: Nanfang Daily)

Add.: No. 93, Xianfeng Ancient Road, Songfeng Road, Chancheng District, Foshan (佛山市禅城区松风路先锋古道93号)

Dongguan

Songshan Lake Scenic Area (松山湖生态景区)

Known for its lush greenery, seasonal blooms like pink silk trees, and serene lake views, Songshan Lake offers perfect settings for cycling, picnics, and photography. Its fairy-tale-like castle architecture and picturesque sunsets make it a must-visit.

(Photo: Nanfang Daily)

(Photo: Dongguan Fabu)

Add.: Intersection of Daxue Road and Binhu Road, Dongguan (东莞市大学路与滨湖路交叉口)

Golden Coastline of Binhai Bay (东莞黄金海岸)

With a stunning 42-kilometer coastline, this destination is a must-visit for sunset chasers. The Longchong pedestrian bridge offers an unparalleled view of the setting sun, making it a prime spot for capturing breathtaking photos.

(Photo: Nanfang Plus)

(Photo: Dongguan Binhaiwan New Area )

Add. (Dongbao Park-Longchong section): Binhaiwan Avenue, Binhaiwan New Area, Dongguan (东莞市滨海湾新区滨海湾大道)

Zhongshan

Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link (深中通道)

The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, a mega cross-sea passage spanning 24 km, has become a favorite among photographers for its stunning sunrise views. Photography enthusiasts flock to Ma'an Island (马鞍岛) in Zhongshan to capture the iconic sunrise with the Link and Qianhai's skyline in the background.

(Photo: Nanfang Daily)

Add. (Ma'an Island): Cuiheng New District, Zhongshan (中山市翠亨新区)

Sunwen West Road (中山孙文西路)

Sunwen West Road is a century-old street located in the Shiqi Subdistrict of Zhongshan. It was named in honor of the country's revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen (also named Sun Wen) in 1925. In 1998, it was given a face-lift and became the Sunwen West Road Historical and Cultural Block.

(Photo: Zhongshan Fabu)

With a length of 529 meters and over 130 stores, Sunwen West Road is the first commercial pedestrian street in Zhongshan. Locally called "the most beautiful street in Zhongshan", there are many "Nanyang-style buildings" that blend European style with the style of Lingnan Qilou buildings. You can still see the exquisite wood carvings and lime sculptures embedded in them.

(Photo: Zhongshan Fabu)

Add.: Shiqi Subdistrict, Zhongshan (中山市石岐街道)

Qingyuan

Nangang Yao Village (南岗千年瑶寨)

(This poster features an image from Millennium Yao Village Scenic Spot)

Surrounded by forested mountains, the millennium Nangang Yao Village is the largest and oldest Yao village in the world. Today, 398 ancient buildings constructed in the Ming and Qing dynasties are still preserved in the village. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic Yao ethnic group's culture, including long-drum dances, and local wedding customs.

(Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province)

(Photo: Qingyuan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

Add.: Nangang Village, Sanpai Town, Liannan Yao Autonomous County, Qingyuan (清远市连南瑶族自治县三排镇南岗村)

Youling Yao Village (油岭民俗瑶寨)

This Yao settlement offers cultural experiences like bonfire parties, folk performances, and even the grand thousand-person banquet. Visitors can participate in workshops for drum dancing, singing, and embroidery, gaining a deeper appreciation of ethnic intangible cultural heritage.

(Photo: Qingyuan Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)

Add.: Youling Village, Sanpai Town, Liannan Yao Autonomous County, Qingyuan (清远市连南县三排镇油岭村)

Author: Huang Xinying

Poster: Cai Junru

Editor: Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He